Duolingo English Test (DET) vs. Tracktest:
Choosing Your Online English Test

In the world of online English language tests, the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the Tracktest English Test are two popular but distinct options. While they both offer the convenience of at-home testing, they are built on different philosophies and serve different purposes. Understanding their commonalities and key differences is crucial for deciding which one is right for you.

What They Have in Common

Before we dive into their differences, let’s look at what makes them similar. Both the DET and Tracktest are:

• Accepted by Institutions: Both are used by educational institutions and employers for admissions and hiring processes. It is always recommended to check if your specific institution or company accepts either test.

• Online and Accessible: You can take both exams from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to travel to a test center. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection, a microphone, and a camera.

• Affordable: Compared to traditional English tests like TOEFL and IELTS, both the DET and Tracktest are significantly more budget-friendly. This makes them accessible to a wider global audience.

• Fast Results: Both tests are known for their quick turnaround times. The DET provides a certified result within 48 hours, while Tracktest’s Core test gives you immediate results and Verified Complete results within 48 hours or 2 weeks, depending on your chosen delivery option.

The Key Differences

Despite their similarities, the DET and Tracktest are fundamentally different in their structure, scoring, and purpose.

1. Test Philosophy & Structure

• Duolingo English Test (DET): The DET is a multilevel adaptive test. This means the test’s difficulty adjusts in real time based on your performance. If you answer a question correctly, the next one becomes harder; if you get it wrong, it becomes easier. This format is designed to quickly and efficiently pinpoint your overall proficiency level in a single session.
  
• Tracktest Core and Complete Tests: Tracktest is a level-based test. It is built on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You choose the specific level you want to be tested on (A1, B2, C1, etc.). The test then assesses your skills against the criteria for that chosen CEFR level.

2. Scoring and Results

• Duolingo English Test (DET): The DET provides a single, numerical score on a scale of 10-160. It also gives subscores for different skills (Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, and Production). This score can be used to compare your proficiency with the results of other major tests.
  
• Tracktest: Your result is a pass or fail for the specific CEFR level you chose. It provides detailed feedback on your performance in each section (Grammar, Reading, and Listening) and can provide an optional Speaking & Writing score to get a Complete Test certificate. The result is a confirmation of whether you have the skills required for that specific level.

3. Pricing

• Duolingo English Test (DET): The current price for a single Duolingo English Test is approximately $70 USD. The price is consistent worldwide, and you can send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions for free.
  
• Tracktest: A Tracktest Core test license costs approximately $20 USD. This annual license allows you to take all available CEFR levels (A1-C2) as many times as you like within a 12-month period, with a 30-day waiting period between re-takes of the same level. Additional features (e.g., Verified Exam, Speaking&Writing assessment) are optional. You can purchase them only if you need them.

Duolingo or Tracktest: Which Test is Right for You?